Photo: SH Proshots
Often referred to as the plumber mobile, the current Volkswagen Crafter is also a good camper van. There are multiple such conversions out there, including some that bear the signature of the German auto marque, like the Grand California.
However, if you desire more tech features and some improvements from the VW Crafter, then you should wait for the facelifted iteration to launch. Set to replace the outgoing one that has been around since 2017, it promises multiple improvements inside and out and was just spied on the road.
We will start by opening the door to take a closer look at the cabin, as this is where it has the most novelties. The dashboard panel was slightly redesigned to host the larger infotainment system, which is no longer incorporated between the central air vents. If you look next to it, you will see an electronic parking brake button with what appears to be an auto-hold feature.
Further to the left on this left-hand drive example is the digital instrument cluster. Likely an option or reserved for the upper specs, it stands behind the new steering wheel. From what we can tell, the HVAC controls carry over with no modifications, and so does the gearshift lever on this manual car. Details surrounding the powertrain family are inexistent, but the updated Crafter will probably soldier on with the same units.
On the outside, we can clearly see that it has new headlamps with different graphics. The grille also seems to have been tweaked, and the front bumper is new. The back end looks pretty much the same, though this is still an early tester. As a result, we can expect the facelifted Crafter to at least get new taillights and a different bumper. Additional wheel options could be added as part of the mid-cycle refresh, and new colors could round off the makeover, we believe.
All the things mentioned above will improve the modern feel of the van. We have to wait and see if Volkswagen has also revised the chassis with emphasis on the suspension setup, but we wouldn't hold our breath for it. One thing that could have been improved is the safety gear, more particularly the active gizmos assisting the driver. Again, we will have to wait for the official unveiling of the commercial vehicle to find out if that is the case or not.
VW remains tight-lipped about the facelifted Crafter, but it could be due in the coming months, likely hitting the market as a 2024 model. The mid-cycle refresh should keep it competitive for a few more years until its successor, the third generation, arrives, probably with more emphasis on electric powertrains or, who knows, maybe zero-emission assemblies solely.
We will start by opening the door to take a closer look at the cabin, as this is where it has the most novelties. The dashboard panel was slightly redesigned to host the larger infotainment system, which is no longer incorporated between the central air vents. If you look next to it, you will see an electronic parking brake button with what appears to be an auto-hold feature.
Further to the left on this left-hand drive example is the digital instrument cluster. Likely an option or reserved for the upper specs, it stands behind the new steering wheel. From what we can tell, the HVAC controls carry over with no modifications, and so does the gearshift lever on this manual car. Details surrounding the powertrain family are inexistent, but the updated Crafter will probably soldier on with the same units.
On the outside, we can clearly see that it has new headlamps with different graphics. The grille also seems to have been tweaked, and the front bumper is new. The back end looks pretty much the same, though this is still an early tester. As a result, we can expect the facelifted Crafter to at least get new taillights and a different bumper. Additional wheel options could be added as part of the mid-cycle refresh, and new colors could round off the makeover, we believe.
All the things mentioned above will improve the modern feel of the van. We have to wait and see if Volkswagen has also revised the chassis with emphasis on the suspension setup, but we wouldn't hold our breath for it. One thing that could have been improved is the safety gear, more particularly the active gizmos assisting the driver. Again, we will have to wait for the official unveiling of the commercial vehicle to find out if that is the case or not.
VW remains tight-lipped about the facelifted Crafter, but it could be due in the coming months, likely hitting the market as a 2024 model. The mid-cycle refresh should keep it competitive for a few more years until its successor, the third generation, arrives, probably with more emphasis on electric powertrains or, who knows, maybe zero-emission assemblies solely.
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